Paulo Figari, @PauloFigari2
Both teams have plenty of NFL caliber talent but they both have underwhelmed in terms of wins and losses. Georgia has a front seven that strikes great fear into their opponents while Auburns receiving core could trade their football careers for basketball and still succeed. Both offenses also have a prolific and dynamic rushing attack with Cameron Artis Payne and Corey Grant for Auburn and the return of the great Todd Gurley and freshmen stud Nick Chubb. If there is one position or area of weakness both of these teams have it would be their secondaries. Whether its inexperience, injuries, or just lack of high caliber talent both secondaries have struggled greatly. With that in mind here are some of the key senior prospects to keep an eye on Saturday
Leonard Floyd DE/OLB Georgia
His length and size are truly rare and his speed of the edge makes him very intriguing as a prospect. He will be asked to hold containment against the read option of Auburn and we will find out his ability to read. His pass rushing ability is raw and he struggles fighting hands but his speed and explosiveness are special and could warrant a first-round selection given that he declares. Going up against a weaker offensive line he should flash some ability that has provided him the amount of hype he has received thus far.
Nick Marshall QB Auburn
Marshall is one quarterback that in my opinion isn’t getting enough love from the draft community. His arm strength, quick release, and athletic ability make him very intriguing. He has progressed and developed nicely from last year to the current and shows to be more decisive and shows more touch on deep passes. He will have a great test going against a very smart and a very athletic front seven of Georgia. Currently I have a fourth round grade for Nick Marshall but with consistent play from here on out that grade can most definitely rise to a second or third round grade.
Damian Swann CB Georgia
Swann is arguably the best player in the Georgia secondary. Although he is incredibly inconsistent he still flashes some ability. His mobility in man coverage isn’t the best and doesn’t show the best awareness in zone but he does flash a great ability to anticipate and read the eyes of the QB. Swann will have a tough matchup going against a tough quartet of receivers in Quan Bray, Duke Williams, Sammie Coates, and Ricardo Louis. He will need to have one of his better games of the year going up against players that have both size and speed.
Kris Frost LB Auburn
Frost has quickly become a hot topic in the draft community recently and for good reason. He is considered to be one of the best off ball linebackers in the country. His instincts and downhill speed are two of his best attributes and at times shows to be a dominant run defender. His ability in coverage has improved throughout the season and his athleticism and quickness can most definitely translate at the next level. Again another tough matchup for him this week going up against a decent freshman Tight End in Jeb Blazevich and also trying to stop the dynamic duo of Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb.
Ramik Wilson LB Georgia
Ramik was pretty highly touted coming into the season as a versatile LB with both run stopping ability and the ability to shutdown opposing Tight Ends in the passing game. So far this year he has underwhelmed and has allowed quite a few big plays. He is sticky in coverage but hasn’t shown the ball skills to match. He doesn’t do a very good job taking on blocks and often overpursues going sideline to sideline. He is a smart and instinctive player but lacks true athleticism to compliment. Going against a downhill running team, he will have to be stout and keep containment to succeed.
Overall there are plenty of linebackers and defensive lineman to watch for in this game. I hadn’t even mentioned players like Casanova McKinzy, Jordan Jenkins, Gabe Wright, or Ray Drew. A lot of intriguing talent and some physical specimens will be trying to make a statement in this highly anticipated matchup this Saturday. I believe that Auburns unique style of running and mixed in passing attack will get them the victory. Williams and Coates will create plenty of mismatches across the board and Marshall can very well have a big game. Don’t forget about Todd Gurley, Todd Gurley’s comeback should be the headline of this game and will be the focal point of preparation for the Auburn defense.
Other players to watch
Reese Dismukes, Center, Auburn
Cameron Artis-Payne, RB Auburn
Malcom Mitchell, WR, Georgia
Quan Bray, WR, Auburn
